2007 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320CDI fuel

343 Operation
Driving instructions
Electrical connections
The vehicle is prewired to accept the
seven-wire harness included in the
Mercedes-Benz approved trailer hitch
receiver kit.
For further information, see an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Vehicle and trailer weights and ratings
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the
maximum permissible vehicle weight:
ML 350, ML 500, ML 320 CDI:
6239 lbs (2830 kg)
ML 63 AMG:
6393 lbs (2900 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW):
Comprises weight of vehicle including fuel,
tools, spare wheel, installed accessories,
passengers, cargo and trailer tongue. It
must never exceed the GVWR.Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the
maximum permissible axle weight:
The Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the
weight of the trailer plus the weight of all
cargo, equipment, luggage etc. loaded on
the trailer. The maximum permissible
gross trailer weight to be towed:
4982 lbs (2260 kg)
Trailer Tongue Weight Rating (TWR) is the
maximum permissible weight on the trailer
tongue:
496 lbs (225 kg) limit for Mercedes-Benz
approved hitch receiver.Loading a trailer


When loading a trailer, you should ob-
serve that neither the permissible GTW,
nor the GVWR are exceeded.
Maximum permissible values are listed
on the safety compliance certification
labels for the vehicle and for the trailer
to be towed.
The lowest value listed must be select-
ed when determining how the vehicle
and trailer are loaded.


The tongue weight at the hitch ball
must be added to the GVW to prevent
exceeding your Mercedes-Benz tow
vehicle’s rear GAWR.
i
A four-pole conversion plug is available from
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center as a spare part.
ML 350,
ML 320
CDI
ML 500
ML 63
AMG
Front
2943 lbs
(1335 kg)
2987 lbs
(1355 kg)
3175 lbs
(1440 kg)
Rear
3296 lbs
(1495 kg)
3252 lbs
(1475 kg)
3527 lbs
(1600 kg)
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We recommend loading the trailer in such a
manner that it has a Tongue Weight (TW)
between 10% and 15% of the Gross Trailer
Weight (GTW).
i
Maximum trailer ratings are calculated as-
suming a base vehicle, plus any options neces-
sary to achieve the rating, plus driver. The weight
of other equipment, passengers and cargo will
reduce the maximum trailer weight your vehicle
can tow.

349 Operation
Driving instructions
Telephones and two-way radios
Radio transmitters, such as a portable
telephone or a citizens band unit should
only be used inside the vehicle if they are
connected to an antenna that is installed
on the outside of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation
instructions regarding use of an external
antenna.
Catalytic converter (gasoline engine)
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with
monolithic-type catalytic converters, an
important element in conjunction with the
oxygen sensors to achieve substantial con-
trol of the pollutants in the exhaust emis-
sions. Keep your vehicle in proper
operating condition by following our rec-
ommended maintenance instructions as
outlined in your Maintenance Booklet.
Oxidation catalyst (diesel engine)
Your vehicle is equipped with an oxidation
catalyst, an important element in conjunc-
tion with the oxygen sensors to achieve
substantial control of the pollutants in the
exhaust emissions. Keep your vehicle in
proper operating condition by following
our recommended maintenance instruc-
tions as outlined in your Maintenance
Booklet.
Warning!
G
Never operate radio transmitters equipped
with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e. with-
out being connected to an external antenna)
from inside the vehicle while the engine is
running. Doing so could lead to a malfunc-
tion of the vehicle’s electronic system,
possibly resulting in an accident and/or
personal injury.
!
To prevent damage to the catalytic convert-
ers, use only premium unleaded gasoline in this
vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine operation
should be repaired promptly. Otherwise, exces-
sive unburned fuel may reach the catalytic con-
verter, causing it to overheat and potentially
start a fire.
Warning!
G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or op-
erate this vehicle in areas where combusti-
ble materials such as grass, hay or leaves
can come into contact with the hot exhaust
system, as these materials could be ignited
and cause a vehicle fire.

352 OperationAt the gas stationRefueling
The fuel filler flap is located on the
right-hand side of the vehicle towards the
rear. Locking/unlocking the vehicle with
the SmartKey or the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* automatically
locks/unlocks the fuel filler flap.

Turn off the engine

by turning the SmartKey to
position0 (
page 40). Remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch.


by pressing the KEYLESS-GO*
start/stop button (
page 41).
Open the driver’s door (with the
driver’s door open, starter switch is
now in position0, same as
SmartKey removed from starter
switch).

Briefly push on fuel filler flap at the po-
sition indicated by the arrow.
The fuel filler flap opens slightly.
Warning!
G
Gasoline and diesel fuels are highly flamma-
ble and poisonous. They burn violently and
can cause serious injury.
Never allow sparks, flame or smoking mate-
rials near gasoline or diesel fuel!
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline or diesel
fuel, avoid inhaling fumes and skin or cloth-
ing contact, extinguish all smoking materi-
als.
Direct skin contact with gasoline or diesel
fuels and the inhalation of gasoline or diesel
fuel vapors can damage your health.
Warning!
G
Do not fill diesel tanks with gasoline. Do not
mix diesel fuel with gasoline. Otherwise the
fuel system and engine could be damaged.
In addition, the vehicle could catch fire.!
Damage resulting from mixing gasoline with
diesel is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
!
Diesel engine: When filling the diesel fuel
tank using fuel containers, place a filling filter, a
suede cloth or a clean flannel cloth as a filter.
Otherwise, particles from the fuel container
could clog the fuel lines and/or the diesel injec-
tion system.

353 Operation
At the gas station

Open the fuel filler flap completely.

Turn the fuel cap to the left and hold on
to it until possible pressure is released.

Take off the fuel cap.

To prevent fuel vapors from escaping
into open air, fully insert filler nozzle
unit.

Only fill your tank until the filler nozzle
unit cuts out – do not top up or over-
fill.

Replace the fuel cap by turning it
clockwise until it audibly engages.

Close the fuel filler flap.
You should hear the latch close shut.
!
The fuel filler cap is tethered to the fuel filler
neck. Do not drop the cap. It could damage the
vehicle paint finish.
Warning!
G
Overfilling of the fuel tank may create pres-
sure in the system which could cause a gas
discharge. This could cause the gas to spray
back out when removing the fuel pump noz-
zle, which could cause personal injury.
i
Leaving the engine running and the fuel cap
open can cause the yellow fuel tank reserve
warning lamp to flash and the ?malfunction
indicator lamp (USA only) or the± malfunc-
tion indicator lamp (Canada only) comes on.
For more information, see “Practical hints”
(
page 417).
i
Gasoline engine: Only use premium unlead-
ed gasoline with a minimum Posted Octane Rat-
ing of 91 (average of 96 RON/86 MON).
Information on gasoline quality can normally be
found on the fuel pump.
For more information on gasoline, see “Premium
unleaded gasoline (gasoline engine)”
(
page 547), see “Fuel requirements”
(page 548), and the Factory Approved Service
Products pamphlet.
i
Diesel engine: Only use commercially avail-
able vehicular diesel fuels No. 2 or No. 1 (ASTM
D975 No. 2-D or No. 1-D). Information on diesel
quality can normally be found on the fuel pump.
The sulfur content in diesel fuel should not
exceed 50 parts per million (ppm). When using
diesel fuel with a sulfur content of above
300 ppm, the engine oil interval should be
shortened.
For more information on diesel fuels, refer to the
Factory Approved Service Products pamphlet or
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.
!
Diesel engine:
The engine is more susceptible to wear and
damage if you use


marine diesel fuel


heating oil


additives
The use of such non-approved fuels and/or
special additives is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

354 OperationAt the gas stationLow outside temperatures
(diesel engine)
To prevent malfunctions, diesel fuel with
improved cold flow characteristics is of-
fered in the winter months. Check with
your fuel retailer.
Check regularly and before a long trip
Open the hood (
page 356).
Example ML 5001Brake fluid
2Coolant level
3Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system*
Engine oil level
For more information on engine oil, see
“Engine oil” (
page 358).Brake fluid
Coolant
For normal replenishing, use water (pota-
ble water quality).
For more information, see “Coolant level”
(
page 362) and see “Fuels, coolants, lu-
bricants” (
page 543).
!
Do not fill the tank with gasoline. Do not
blend diesel fuel with gasoline or kerosine. The
fuel system and engine will otherwise be dam-
aged, which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
!
If you find that the brake fluid in the brake
fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum mark or
below, have the brake system checked for brake
pad thickness and leaks immediately. Notify an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center
immediately. Do not add brake fluid as this will
not solve the problem. For more information, see
“Brake fluid” (
page 546).

368 OperationTires and wheelsDirection of rotation
Unidirectional tires offer added advantag-
es, such as better hydroplaning perfor-
mance. To benefit, however, you must
make sure the tires rotate in the direction
specified.
An arrow on the sidewall indicates the
intended direction of rotation (spinning) of
the tire.
Loading the vehicle
Two labels on your vehicle show how much
weight it may properly carry.

The Tire and Loading Information
placard can be found on the driver’s
door B-pillar. This placard tells you im-
portant information about the number
of people that can be in the vehicle and
the total weight that can be carried in
the vehicle. It also contains information
on the proper size and recommended
tire inflation pressures for the original
equipment tires on your vehicle.


The certification label found on the
driver’s door B-pillar tells you about the
gross weight capacity of your vehicle,
called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight
of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and
cargo. The certification label also tells
you about the front and rear axle
weight capacity, called the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). The GAWR is
the total allowable weight that can be
carried by a single axle (front or rear).
Never exceed the GVWR or GAWR for
either the front axle or rear axle.
i
Spare wheels may be mounted against the
direction of rotation (spinning) even with a unidi-
rectional tire for temporary use only until the reg-
ular drive wheel has been repaired or replaced.
Always observe and follow applicable temporary
use restrictions and speed limitations indicated
on the spare wheel.

374 OperationTires and wheelsRecommended tire inflation pressureYour vehicle is equipped with the Tire and
Loading Information placard located on
the driver’s door B-pillar (
page 369).
The tire inflation pressure should be
checked regularly and should only be ad-
justed on cold tires. The tires can be con-
sidered cold if the vehicle has been parked
for at least 3 hours or driven less than
1 mile (1.6 km).
Follow recommended cold tire inflation
pressures listed on placard.
Keeping the tires properly inflated
provides the best handling, tread life and
riding comfort.
In addition to the tire placard on the
driver’s door B-pillar, also consult the fuel
filler flap for any additional information
pertaining to special driving situations. For
more information, see “Important notes on
tire inflation pressure” (
page 375).1Tire and Loading Information placard
with recommended cold tire inflation
pressures
The Tire and Loading Information placard
lists the recommended cold tire inflation
pressures for maximum loaded vehicle
weight. The tire inflation pressures listed
apply to the tires installed as original
equipment.
Warning!
G
Follow recommended tire inflation
pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear excessively and/or unevenly,
adversely affect handling and fuel economy,
and are more likely to fail from being over-
heated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires
can adversely affect handling and ride
comfort, wear unevenly, increase stopping
distance, and result in sudden deflation
(blowout) because they are more likely to
become punctured or damaged by road
debris, potholes etc.
i
Data shown on placard example are for
illustration purposes only. Tire data are specific
to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in
the illustration below. Refer to placard on vehicle
for actual data specific to your vehicle.

375 Operation
Tires and wheels
Important notes on tire inflation
pressure
Tire temperature and tire inflation pressure
are also increased while driving, depending
on the driving speed and the tire load.
If you will be driving your vehicle at high
speeds of 100 mph (160 km/h) or higher,
where it is legal and conditions allow,
consult the placard on the inside of the fuel
filler flap on how to adjust the cold tire in-
flation pressure. If you do not adjust the
tire inflation pressure, excessive heat can
build up and result in sudden tire failure.Be sure to readjust the tire inflation
pressure for normal driving speeds. You
should wait until the tires are cold before
adjusting the tire inflation pressure.
Some vehicles may have supplemental tire
inflation pressure information for vehicle
loads less than the maximum loaded vehi-
cle condition. If such information is provid-
ed, it can be found on the placard located
on the inside of the fuel filler flap.
Tire inflation pressure changes by approxi-
mately 1.5 psi (0.1 bar) per 18°F (10°C) of
air temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire inflation pressure
where the temperature is different from
the outside temperature.
Checking tire inflation pressure
Regularly check your tire inflation pressure
at least once a month.
Check and adjust the tire inflation
pressure when the tires are cold. The tires
can be considered cold if the vehicle has
been parked for at least 3 hours or driven
less than 1 mile (1.6 km).
If you check the tire inflation pressure
when the tires are warm (the vehicle has
been driven for several miles or sitting less
than 3 hours), the reading will be
approximately 4 psi (0.3 bar) higher than
the cold reading. This is normal. Do not let
air out to match the specified cold tire
inflation pressure. Otherwise, the tire will
be underinflated.
Warning!
G
If the tire inflation pressure repeatedly
drops:

Check the tires for punctures from
foreign objects.


Check to see whether air is leaking from
the valves or from around the rim.
i
Driving comfort may be reduced when the
tire inflation pressure is adjusted to the value for
speeds above 100 mph (160 km/h) as specified
on the placard located on the inside of the fuel
filler flap.